Pattern Testing: The Classic Chinos

I really do prefer classic, clean and simple clothes on kids, and Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop's Classic Chinos fit the bill.    I tested the pattern for Amy just this past week and honestly couldn't find a thing wrong with the design or the instructions.  Everything was so straight-forward and easy, even the welt pockets in the back, which I think give these pants a totally professional look.

The line and the fit of these trousers are perfect, in my humble opinion. 

I made both the pants and the shorts in linen.  The pink linen I got from Fashion Fabrics Club when they were having their huge anniversary sale a couple of months ago.  And the natural linen is a remnant piece from JoAnne's that I've had forever.

Thanks to Amy for letting me test her pattern, and to Jen for letting me borrow her kid:).  

Spring KCW 2013: Skater Dress

Ok folks, my last finished project for KCW: the Skater Dress  from Kitschy Coo.

I made a size 5/6 and it is obviously way too big.  So we will save this for next summer; definitely sizing down is a good idea.  On the other hand, the pattern is super easy with very clear instructions.
 
Honestly, with these knit dresses, most of the time I don't even read the directions anymore, but this time I did.  She gives some good tips on sewing with knits and walks you through hemming with double and single needles on a regular sewing machine, and even has instructions for coverstitches.

I might add some sort of embelishment to this dress.  Maybe some machine embroidery?

All in all, this KCW has been the most productive yet.  There were two days when I didn't do my hour, but more than made up on those other days when I did 4 to 5 hours.  I stuck with very simple and easy projects that I knew would get a lot of wear, and concentrated my effort and energy on replenishing S's wardrobe.  I made a total number of 7 items: 2 pairs of leggings, 1 pair of shorts, 2 dresses, and 2 tops.

Come back tomorrow when I will show you some stuff I've made for B!  One of which includes pattern testing for Heidi & Finn...

Spring KCW 2013: E & E's Bubble Shorts

 Day 3 of KCW brings us to the Bubble Pocket Shorts, the latest from Elephants & Elegance Patterns.  To go along with yesteday's Ruffle Top Tunic, I chose a buttery yellow linen blend that I found as a remnant at JoAnn's.  I love browsing in the remnant and red tag area of JoAnn's; sometimes I can score some beautiful fabric for a steal. 
  
 The top is tucked in so that you can see the cute bow detail at the waist.    

I honestly can't wait to see the next E & E pattern release.  Wouldn't this outfit look so cute with a fedora hat instead of the gigantic flower:)?

Spring 2013 KCW: GoTo Anywhere Dress and Leggings

It's that time of the year again: the Kid's Clothes Week Challenge, otherwise known as KCW.  As with years past, I have no specific plans;  I'm a fly-by-my-seat kind of sewer anyway, and this week is no exception. 

This outfit is the Anywhere Dress and GoTo Leggings designed by Andrea Pannell of The Train To Crazy. 

 

The leggings have the peekaboo hole and bow in the back; a detail that I just love and I think  really completes the outfit.  I chose the elbow sleeve option with cuffs for the dress.  S is wearing a size 5 and it fits her perfectly. 

Both patterns sewed up really quick, a couple of hours per piece from start to finish.  The leggings would have gone even faster without the peekaboo detail. 

 

PS: Sorry about the blurry pics; my model was not in a cooperative mood that day.

Spring KCWC Day 1

We've had two straight sunny days here in Portland.  The days were spent outside.

Playing in fields of tulips...

and making messy ice-cream faces.

The first two pictures were taken at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn.  The colors are pretty amazing this time of the year.  And  although it gets pretty crowded, it's still worth the drive to see the rows and rows of colorful tulips.  

And now onto sewing news...

I'm gonna cheat a little and call this the product of day 1 of KCWC.  This skirt (plus 3 duplicates) was actually sewn up and completed Sunday night.  I had every intention of sewing last night after the kids went to sleep.  But then I fell asleep while putting B down for bedtime, and next thing I knew it was already 9:30pm.  I fought to stay awake for another half hour and then decided to just call it a day and went to bed.  The sunshine and being outdoors makes for a great night's sleep. 

B's friend is having a Yo Gabba Gabba themed birthday party.  I made the birthday girl, her sister, S and B each a skirt out of a this wild yo gabba print. 

I already have an Oliver & S 2 plus 2 shirt all cut up.  Hopefully tonight will be a bit more productive and I will have something to show for Day 2.